Panel: Mental health: Integrating behavioral health with primary care (Health Journalism 2012)
Speaker: John Bartlett, M.D., M.P.H., senior project adviser, Primary Care Initiative, Carter Center Mental Health Program
Panel description: The next big thing in mental health care is integrating it with primary care. Group practices are including mental health professionals. Private doctors are being encouraged to look for and treat mental illnesses. Experts are saying early detection and treatment of mental illnesses will result in healthier patients and lower costs. Panelists will discuss why, as well as how the mental health initiatives are working in private and public health systems. You’ll learn what’s already happening, and how this is likely to play out. And you’ll get story ideas on what to look for in your community and how to analyze it.
